How to reduce blood sugar in gestational diabetes

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Gestational diabetes cannot be treated with oral medications, as they can affect the fetus. Currently, the main treatment for gestational diabetes in China is insulin, with options for short-acting or rapid-acting insulin. If fasting blood glucose is high, long-acting insulin can be used to control fasting blood glucose levels. If post-meal blood glucose is high, short-acting or rapid-acting insulin can be used to control post-meal blood glucose levels. The blood glucose control standards for gestational diabetes are fasting blood glucose between 4.0 and 5.3, and two hours post-meal blood glucose between 4.4 and 6.7.

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Written by Chen Kai
Endocrinology
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How to control diet in gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels found during pregnancy in individuals who did not previously have diabetes. Overall, dietary control for gestational diabetes is similar to that for typical diabetes patients. It involves avoiding high-calorie, high-sugar, and fried foods. It is advisable to consume more fruits and vegetables, as well as foods with a lower glycemic index. Increasing the intake of whole grains and mixed grains is recommended, while nuts such as peanuts and sunflower seeds should be limited. Foods should be steamed rather than boiled, and fried foods must be strictly avoided.

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Written by Zhang Chun Yun
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What to eat for a snack when hungry during gestational diabetes?

If you are hungry with gestational diabetes, you can eat some sugar-free biscuits, or some foods specified within the range of the doctor's medical orders. However, it is important to remember that dietary control is very crucial for diabetes patients, particularly during pregnancy. Some pregnant women with gestational diabetes may only need dietary control to maintain normal blood glucose levels, but it is also essential to ensure the nutrition of the mother and fetus, maintain normal blood sugar levels, prevent ketoacidosis, maintain normal weight, prevent weight gain, and control the blood sugar level under 8 mmol/L one hour after meals. In addition, it is necessary to supplement with calcium, folic acid, and iron daily, specifically according to the doctor's medical orders.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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How to control gestational diabetes

For diabetes during pregnancy, it is important to manage the condition in pregnant women. Initially, for blood sugar control during pregnancy, we recommend that the blood sugar levels before meals and two hours after meals be less than or equal to 5.3 mmol/L and 6.7 mmol/L, respectively, and nighttime blood sugar levels should not be lower than 3.3 mmol/L. For patients with diabetes complicated by pregnancy, the blood sugar control during pregnancy should meet the following targets: early pregnancy blood sugar control does not need to be overly strict to prevent hypoglycemia. Blood sugar levels before meals and during the night, as well as fasting blood sugar, should be controlled between 3.3 to 5.6 mmol/L, and post-meal peak blood sugar levels should be between 5.6 to 7.1 mmol/L. For both diabetes during pregnancy and diabetes complicated by pregnancy, if blood sugar levels cannot meet the above standards through diet and exercise management, insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs should be used for further blood sugar control. Pregnancy is a special physiological period, and blood sugar control in diabetic pregnant women must not only be within the normal range but also ensure reasonable nutrient intake for the mother and fetus, reducing the occurrence of maternal and fetal complications. Most patients with gestational diabetes can control their blood sugar satisfactorily through reasonable dietary control and appropriate exercise therapy. The total daily nutrient intake should be determined based on the weight before pregnancy and the rate of weight gain during pregnancy.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Dietary Guidance for Gestational Diabetes

The dietary principles for gestational diabetes are consistent with those for non-pregnant diabetes. Firstly, the total daily caloric intake should be balanced, with carbohydrates accounting for 50%-60%, proteins for 15%-20%, and fats for 20%-30%. The overall principle is to eat smaller, more frequent meals, ideally adding two to three snacks to the three main meals per day. Common foods primarily include milk, proteins, egg whites, and fruits. Then, generally maintain the level of diet before pregnancy without overly restricting it. It is advisable to consume a significant amount of vegetables, no less than 500 grams daily, to supplement vitamins and fiber.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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Does gestational diabetes require hospitalization?

Patients with gestational diabetes who initially have adequate blood sugar control do not need to be hospitalized; however, those with poor blood sugar control require further hospitalization for observation and treatment. In addition to diet and exercise, medication control such as insulin therapy is currently recommended for managing blood sugar in gestational diabetes. Insulin therapy must be used under strict medical supervision to avoid hypoglycemia. Since both high and low blood sugar levels can have a dual impact on pregnant women and fetuses, the need for hospitalization for patients with gestational diabetes mainly depends on their blood sugar levels.